Today is All Hallow's Eve! As I may or may not have mentioned before, Fall is my favorite time of year, always has been.

It is the smell that I love the most. The earth is damp, the leaves start to change color, I love the rain, the grey skies, the nip of coldness that gives you a prewarning of winter to come, the pumpkins and squashes, I love the smell of burning wood coming from nearby homes, and of course, the sky. The show that it puts on, that changes colors from pink to lavender, to orange to fire red in a matter of minutes! It smells like magic. I love it.

Earlier in the month, I was fortunate enough to land a job as a wine tour guide. My sweet husband invited me out to celebrate when I told him the good news, however I told him I would prefer to wait to celebrate until the end of the month to coincide with the Celtic New Year or Halloween. In fact, all day today, I was cleaning, arranging and organizing our little house because I am superstitious. I believe if my house is a hot mess at the turn of the new year, well it will stay like that for the entire year.

But I digress.... I wanted to share with you our celebration lunch! We went to the restaurant, Gravelier, located in the Chartrons district of Bordeaux. The restaurant was so highly recommended, we had to check it out for ourselves. I considered it haute cuisine without the haute price. The lunch menu was 24€ for an appetizer, dish and dessert or in French, entrée, plat, dessert.

To whet our appetites, our server brought out this little pastry puff. Inside it was filled with a meat paté, on top, it was garnished with sesame seeds and herbs. It tasted as expected, very very good!

Next come our entrée. It was three pieces of meat cook medium rare with an onion, beet and parlsey salad topped with a little wonton in a wine reduction sauce. The flavors melded together perfectly, like an opera for my pallette! Everything was fresh and made with quality ingredients that bursted with its individual style. And yes, it was very, very good!

As you know, I am currently on a low-carb Atkins diet. Therefore, root vegtables, such as beets and potatoes, plus sugar and bread make very limited appearences on my plate. I do, however, have a rule: If I am going to indulge, I might as well indulge on the good stuff! By the way, everything mentioned above, I ate decadently and didn't feel guilty!By good stuff, I mean GOOD STUFF, not some cheap soda and a candy bar... NO WAY, Monet! I feel I deserve better than that.

Call it what you will, CHEATING, but I figure, if I am going to CHEAT, it has to be an experience, an unforgettable experience! See the difference?!

I compare it to having a full day and night of a romance adventure with James Bond! Ohhhh, James! (I love everything about the fictional character of Bond. He is... oh la la... sex and class on a stick!) Please hold while I have delightfully sinful thoughts about me and James.............................................

Next, the main dish (plat) made its way in front of me and before I stuck a fork in it, I admired its presentation! The lavender lined plate showcased this dish to perfection! Please do not ask me the name of this fish, I believe our server said it was cabello?Like most days, in one ear, out the other.

It was a rich buttery fish that was seared and served on top of a cabbage salad mixed with small chanterelle mushrooms, onions and parlsey, there were also roasted potatoes and it was dressed with a mushroom sauce.I only ate ONE potato, I shared the other one with my sweet husband.And yes, it was very, very good!

And then dessert. This little orange was just so sweet and adorable! I loved the presentation, but it was the taste that transported me back to The United States! Depending on where you are from, there is a chain called Orange Julius. I remember when I was a teenager and going to the mall, I would order and enjoy this orange foam drink created by some mad genuis! Thanks Mad Genuis! That was what this desert tasted like, Orange Julius! It was thick and foamy and orange-y! In France they have a saying... C'est la madeleine de Proust! It is a quote from Marcel Proust's book, Rememberance of Times Past. The famous scene in the book is when he eats a madeleine and is transported back to when he was a child because of the taste. Everyone has had this experience, it was nice little experience of being able to be in two places at once at just one bite! Oh yeah, and it was very, very good!

I wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Halloween!! Happy Autumn and Happy (Samhain) Celtic New Year!

Attention foodies!!! Do I have the recipe for YOU! The other day, I came across a recipe that peaked my interest, (Thanks Sheila!) however the recipe called for butternut squash and since this tasty treat hasn't revealed itself in my local market, I had to make an adjustment. As you may or may not know, I am following a low-carb Atkins diet, therefore, I am constantly figuring out ways to revamp some of my favorite veggies and Oh Lawd THIS HIT THE SPOT!

First things first... Cut up the cauliflower into little trees and boil it with the (half) bouillon cube for about 10 minutes or until semi tender. Next, heat up your oven to 300 degrees, cut your fresh pumpkin into chunks and roast for about 15 minutes or until tender. I make a big batch and place the leftovers in containers for easy access for the upcoming week.

In an oven safe dish, place the cauliflower, pumpkin and (2 soup spoons) cream cheese together and mash it up with a fork until it is smooth, like a cake. Add salt and pepper.

Next, layer the three cheeses on top and place in the oven for about 30 minutes or until golden bubbly!

In the end, it looks like this and the whole house will smell like pumpkin pie! I so wish this was scratch and sniff! When you take it out of the oven, allow it to cool off for about 5 minutes or so, then dig in! What does it taste like? Well other than HOT DIGGIDY DOG GOOD, it tastes like Thanksgiving! It is SUPER DUPER TASTY!

Click Play... to set the mood!

Earlier in the month, I was contacted by Texas Martha. Who is she? Well, her name is Martha and she is from Texas, obviously. She is a very talented artist, musician and lead singer for the band, The House of Twang.

We are both members of a group on Facebook named, Americans in France. She emailed me one evening and shared her bright idea of hiring a bellydancer for an upcoming show. At first, my Frenchy attitude reared its ugly head, by that I mean, boffff, its too much trouble, it is not enough time you know -- excuses. Nonetheless, after hearing her music and after she recounted the history of the song she wanted me to perform to, I was hooked.

Scarlett FEVA, Texas Martha and the House of Twang!

Besides, THIS TEXAS GIRL COULD NOT REFUSE ANOTHER FELLOW TEXAN! Davy Crockett would make a Scarlett skin cap, James Bowie would terrorize me with his knife, Sam Houston would shoot ME in the anklle. AND HOT DIGGIDY DOG, I had a TEXAS SIZED blast!

Scarlett FEVA is my stage name!

I danced two numbers that evening, Johanna and the medley mash-up rendition of Hound Dog/Black Magic Woman. These are a couple of photos from that evening. Yes, I did two costume changes and shook my money maker!

I gots the FEVA! The FEVA spreadin'!

I love France, despite all my complaints and her faults, which at times makes me hate her. Still, France has allowed me to live out a fairy-tale of MY dreams! She allows me to show who I really am, the graceful dancer, the writer, the poet, the dreamer, the lover and for that, I am eternally grateful!

Have a great week and go in the directions of your dreams, whatever they may be!

After a wonderful afternoon in the rain and cold, I wanted to share with you my first experience playing the international game of Cricket. As an American, I can tell you that I have never seen a match, much less know the rules, or how to play the game. That said, when I was asked to participate, I JUMPED at the chance! And why not?!! How often is one asked to play the game of cricket!

Now for some background history and how the game is played... No one knows when or where cricket commenced, however, it is believed that it was created during Saxon or Norman times by children in the 16th century and obviously has continued to present day.

The object of the game is to make runs to gain points, in a way, it is similar to baseball but completely different. The bowler (pitcher) chucks a ball similar to a baseball only scarlet in color, heavier, and just a tad bit smaller, which makes it easier and harder to see, since we are wearing helmets with a face guard. Behind the batsman(woman) is a wooden stand consisting of three sticks called a wicket that we must defend. If the bowler strikes the wicket, it is an automatic out. There are also 11 players and intead of running to bases in a diamond, you run back and forth between the two wickets. The bats(wo)man is able to hit the ball six or more times depending if it is thrown correctly, and the ball must bounce before you are able to swing away.

Marisa (REAL DEAL) Raymond and I practicing with our team (The Mermaids) bowling.

Our playing filed was on the property of the Château Giscours.

The men's team was playing behind us as we were warming up.

Marisa was a natural!

After a very brief warm-up, we were invited inside the château to warm up and enjoy the fruit of their labors!

Sometimes, I just have to pinch myself.... living in France allows me to enjoy the simplest of pleasures. I am so grateful to be able to have these wonderful experiences and meet wonderful women who are so very kind, generous, and above all, unforgettable.

Mark, the owner of Château Giscours, personally invited us to taste the 2003 vintage of his house.

Our gracious host!

La Sirène means Mermaid! Hence our team name!

Tracey and I warming up with a glass of red!

The chivalrous Rupert, our coach, trainer and referee.

A toast to friendship, France and cricket!

The Mermaids!

Our opponents from Nantes... they were so gracious and kind! We had a GREAT laugh!

Then came lunch!

After a wonderful lunch of sharing, good eats and wine... The Mermaids suited up and took to the field! We all did exceptionally well, considering many of us never picked up a bat or held a cricket ball in our lives. I even bowled well (the ref told me so!) and hit the ball twice! I also attempted to make a run, throwing down the bat to run to the base, turns out, you have to run WITH the bat! I did apologize, saying, 'American baseball!' They understood completely!

Jenny and Lucinda getting in position!

The Nantes team are pretty in pink!

Marisa and I suiting up!

Lorraine bowling! She is the one with her arm back.

In the end, the Nantes team ensnared us in their nets! The Mermaids of Giscours hope to fish-slap and splash their way to victory in the future.We all came off the field with huge smiles on our faces, mud on ou( feet, and a little bit of wind burn, but all in all...It was a jolly good time, governor!And as Winston Churchill was famously quoted as saying, we must KPO, "Keep Plodding On!"

FALLing in Love with Fall!

Contributing Frenchified editor, Concetta (otherwise known as Cheddars, because she is the bee's cheese!) hosted a Harvest Festival at her home this past weekend. These are the events that transpired.The party was a true international fair as people from Scotland, France, England, Spain and America were represented! It was a United Nations of Friendship, Love and the celebration of Autumn!ENJOY and HAPPY AUTUMN!

The Stones take Bordeaux!

My sweet little family recently hosted The Stones from The States! Who are they? Well, they are my former work colleagues and friends from my Las Vegas days. This power couple recently discovered the South of France, visiting several wine vineyards, little villages, the countryside, and eventually spending some time in my beautiful city of Bordeaux. I would like to think that they truly experienced la vie française! I also like to think that we added to their experience, it was truly a pleasure to spend time with them and also to catch up on 11 years of not seeing each other! Geez, has it really been that long?!

Strolling the streets of Bordeaux...

We were lucky enough to be able to show them a slice of daily life in our little gem of a city. We walked around the city, visiting the majestic and magical places such as Place Peyberland, Le Grand Theatre, La Grosse Cloche, Place du Parlement, Place St Pierre, and along the way, we stopped for a quick bite, some coffee, then walked over to a wine bar for deep conversation and to taste the fruit of Bordeaux's labors! We ordered wine, relaxed and just enjoyed each other's company.

Wine = Happiness!

As I was speaking to Mrs. Stone about life or wine or something, I couldn't help to admire her beauty. She was relaxed and comfortable and looked so peacefull, I just had to take a photo. She embodied happiness and serenity in that moment, I was adament that it be documented.She and her husband have studied oenology and the culinary arts, so it was a pleasure to hear their opinions on the subjects!My opinion on the matter was and is limited to the following rule: It tastes good!

In the end, we had a good laugh, took in some beautiful sights, enjoyed each other's company and drank good wine! La vie est belle! I wish them oceans of happiness and love and hope to see them on this side of the world again... very very soon.Thank you Stones for spending some quality time with us.Bisous de Bordeaux!

PS. Who else wants to make the transatlantic flight for some fun, sun and wine in the South of France? We are waiting for you!

An I HATE FRANCE! Post

“You have a lot to offer and perhaps the French​need to see themselves for who they really are.”​ – my Mom.

The Palace of Versailles by Chris Brown

It didn’t always start out that way, how can one not be enchanted by living in a new country rich with culture, beauty, and history?

Then reality set in.

We have all heard the expression, the grass is not always greener on the other side, well let me tell you, it’s not. It seems like all the expressions from yesteryear's turn out to be true. Thanks, Mom.

There is a story that has been circulating for years about France, and although, I may butcher it, it goes a little something like this......

When God created France, he was very pleased with himself. France is neither too hot nor too cold, she has both the Pyrenees and the Alps Mountains, beautiful and vast forests, winding rivers, she is not landlocked and is semi surrounded by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranian Sea.

She was beauty perfected, perhaps too perfect, God may have thought. And because of this, God figured he needed to create some sort of balance, and in his ultimate wisdom and genius, he created the French. Thanks, God.

Perhaps it is not forthcoming to make generalizations, much less stereotype the French; however generalizations and stereotypes are based in fact. (A fact, that may or may not have been exaggerated at some point or another) ​That said, this section of Frenchified...sort of is my experience and truth. It is an American prospective of my life in this crazy country. I may be burned at the stake for sharing this, however as French history tells us, I will probably be canonized a couple of centuries down the road. I find, St. Jennifer d’America, who spoke the truth and said NO to injustice, has a nice ring to it. And here is the truth… et rien que la vérité.

How Fitting the National Symbol of France is Le Coq

Le coq, the cock, or to be accurate the Gallic cock is the national symbol of France. After speaking with a native, she told me that it is the only bird that has his foot in the merde, but still carries his tune.

Again, how appropriate.

This got me to do a little research on the bird. The nice thing about France is that if you travel in any direction for a couple of kilometers, you’d find several homes with a nest on their property.

You would have to admire the life of a chicken. They have a purpose, (I’ll take the breast and a leg, please!!) they are social, and from what I saw on the surface, live a carefree life. Until, I looked a little closer. I never gave much thought as to the social order or life of chickens, but France gives you the opportunity to see things in a different light, whether you want to or not.

After speaking with a woman who owns a couple of chickens on her property, she described to me interesting, albeit, funny stories from the observation of her chicks, for example, why did the chicken cross the road? (dumb I know, couldn't resist!) She recounted stories and facts about “Pauline et Paulette,” their means of communication, their habits, their personalities, and for her, watching “the ladies” interact was better than watching any trashy soap opera. She relayed her distress to me when both had lost a number of feathers, which come to find out that meant they were upping production on laying eggs. (I didn’t know that!)

I’m sure you have heard the term, ‘pecking order,’ which stems from the social order of chickens.

Come to find out, these future tasty treats are mean bastards. Usually there is one dominate (alpha) rooster, the “coq of the walk” so to speak. This coq has the luxury of mating with most of the hens and the duty to guard the flock. The coq usually chooses his mate, making her the dominant hen. This power couple has the privilege to peck the others in the flock, yet no one dares to peck them. Then, the flock establishes a pecking order descending to the lowest chick on the totem pole, which gets pecked by everyone, but doesn’t peck anyone back.

This got me to also think about French history, their association to the rooster, and the pecking order of France today. After doing some reading and research, I found out a wealth of information just by asking the right questions -- THIS IS THE KEY TO LIVING, SURVIVING and THRIVING in France!

French court and the King establishing a pecking order, sadly it still exists (in spirit) today.

The Sun King - Le Roi Soleil

King Louis XIV’s (otherwise known as the Sun King) elaborate rules of etiquette included the following:

People who wanted to speak to the king could not knock on his door. Instead, using the left little finger, they had to gently scratch on the door, until they were granted permission to enter. As a result, many courtiers grew that fingernail longer than the others!

A lady never held hands or linked arms with a gentleman. It was in very bad taste and nearly impossible because a woman’s skirts were so wide. She was to place her hand on top of the gentleman’s bent arm as they strolled through the gardens and chambers of Versailles. Ladies were only allowed to touch their fingertips with the men.

When a gentleman sat down, he slid his left foot in front of the other, placed his hands on the sides of the chair and gently lowered himself into the chair. The practical reason for this procedure was that if he sat too quickly, his tight trousers might split.

Women and men were not allowed to cross their legs in public.

When a gentleman passed an acquaintance on the street, he was to raise his hat high off his head until the other person passed. ** My husband actually does this **

A gentleman was not allowed to work except to write letters, give speeches, practice fencing, or practice dancing. For pleasure, he engaged in hawking, archery, indoor tennis, or hunting. A gentleman would also take part in battle and would sometimes serve as a public officer, paying the soldiers.

Ladies’ clothing did not allow them to do much besides sit and walk. However, they passed the time sewing, knitting, writing letters, painting, making their own lace, and creating their own cosmetics and perfumes. ** I actually do this now **

The king and queen always had a fauteuil (armchair) to sit on. In their presence, no one else was allowed an armchair, unless you were also a monarch.

A chair with a back but no arms was allowed for those closest in rank to the king, such as his brother or children.

The tabouret, a padded stool was awarded to those holding the rank of duchess. Lesser ranking nobility would be expected to stand.

Only ushers were allowed to open doors. If you desired to leave the room, you had to wait for the usher to open the door.

People of different rank were to enter a room in order, princes, then officers of the Court, and finally courtiers. The page opened both halves of the tall double door for a prince, but for lower ranked dignitaries, only one side swung open.

Wall hangings at Versailles were changed twice a year for winter and summer. Between All Saint’s Day and Easter, the château’s tall windows were sealed with strips of tape to keep out cold air. To this day they still change with the seasons.

The royal Family was not allowed to pour a glass of water or reach for food themselves.

The Sun King moved his court to Versailles (Ver-Sigh) from Paris to establish control over the nobles. He may of thought that if the nobles were spending so much time in Versailles learning the etiquette of court, then they could not spend time at home thinking of ways to overthrow the King.​This is the reason why so many etiquette rules were established, the Sun King was keeping order!

The Sun King's bedroom

The Gardens of Versailles

Louis himself!!

Roosters have played a role in the symbolism and folklore of many nations for thousands of years. For many people, the rooster symbolizes bravery and boldness as he defends the flock against all comers, along with virility. In France, roosters were often used to decorate church bells and watchtowers, since the rooster symbolizes vigilance, as he wakes at dawn to alert people to the start of the day. During the French Revolution, the rooster often appeared in art, symbolizing hope and faith, and well through the 1800s, the Gallic Rooster appeared on French coins.

If you know Latin, you may be aware that the “Gallic Rooster” is also a play on words. The Latin word gallus means rooster (it's the root word behind the Spanish gallo as well), and it can also be used to refer to a citizen of Gaul, now known as France. This play on words was well known in Roman times, when many Gauls used roosters to symbolize their loyalty to Gaul.

Then there is me, the lowest chick on the totem pole. The good news, and on par with the life of a chicken, IF a rooster is not present, one of the female hens assumes the role of rooster. She crows and may grow small spurs. I can only hope, because being pecked to the point of wanting to commit homicide is a daily challenge!

Alas...

The Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of the Henhouse.

French Rumors and Stereotypes!

A few months back, I met up with the girls for dinner and drinks. After a couple glasses of wine, my tongue unleashed and I spewed all my frustrations about French life. (How French of me!) It was probably not my best moment, however I am happy to report that it is not just me, plenty of French people feel exactly the same way I do, they just have more panache!

I believe that some stereotypes are based on truths, albeit exaggerated truths, still truths. Is it naïve or bold of me to say so? I pose the question for pondering sake, yet in the end, I really don't care, the truth is the truth, the good, the bad and the ugly. As any intelligent person knows, there are several sides to the truth! So let's discuss it.

Let us have an open dialogue so that we may see and know that we are more alike than different! I feel the ONLY THING that truly seperates us is geography!

Below, I have compiled a short list of typical stereotypes and rumors about French people, life and culture. So without further ado, let us discuss these fallacies!

I'm the luckiest girl in the world! Look at that face! Love you Chouch!!

1. The French are lazy. Personally, I hate this stereotype, which is why I started with it! First off, EVERYBODY is lazy at some point in their lives! Recently, an American tire CEO showed his true colors and insulted my adopted country. I was beyond insulted and embarrassed by this. You can read the story here.

In the TIME article, it reads, the CEO of the Titan International tire company “French workforce gets paid high wages but works only three hours.”In doing so, Taylor mockingly dismissed French government invitations to invest in a struggling tire factory in northern France.“How stupid do you think we are?” Taylor asked in a letter sent to French Industrial Renewal Minister Arnaud Montebourg, who had asked the CEO of the Titan International tire company to invest in a money-losing Goodyear plant in Amiens.

Classy, right! The American in me understands that the bottom line is money, yet at what expense? French people are hard working and productive, and they should not be treated as subpar humans for having different values. It made me sick to read that article and sicker to read people's comments on the story. Corporations are legal slave traders. The idiot who made the comments above, bragged about going to China or India and paying workers less than a euro an hour. Seriously?

May he be treated as harshly as he has (and continues) to treat others.

2. The French are all sex-crazed smokers who stink! Oh please! Don't be so stupid and blind! It is not true and if it is, WHO THE F CARES! It does not affect you, and if it does, walk on! Sorry you were inconvenienced for five seconds! And so what...the French MAY be sex-crazed, they MAY be smokers, they MAY stink... IF THEY ARE/DO, at least they are not embarrassed about it or hide it. It is what it is! N'importe quoi! On a very personal note: the day I met my future husband. He was the epitome of a French stereotype, nonetheless, we fell in love! Is he a sex-crazed smoker who stinks?!! At times, but not all at the same time!! Ohhhh la la! wink-wink!

3. French people are rude.Weeeelllllll...It is not true, yet I have been agast at some very rude comments uttered to me, mostly by administrators. (The French complain about this too!) Rudeness has no boundaries! If ANY person from ANY culture is rude to you, please remember that it is THEIR problem not yours. However, you must not make yourself a target for rudeness! If you decide to visit France (please do! you will LOVE it) educate yourself on all of her beauty and grandeur! Attempt to speak a little of her language, France and her people will embrace you like a long lost lover and friend, I promise! IF you are in France and IF you feel insulted, just smile and say, "bonne éducation" and walk on!

4. French women do not shave. In fact, they wax!I don't know when, where or how this rumor started. IF you must know, and this is true of most women, perhaps the exception being professional bodybuilders who compete year round, WE SOMETIMES DON'T SHAVE! Personally, I do not shave during the winter months! Hello?! It is just common sense, I need all the insulation I can get! TMI?!! Walk on.

6. The War, Always the War....Rudyard Kipling, famously said about the French: "Their business is war, and they do their business." And a quick glance at France's history shows business is booming:

Since 387 BC,France has fought 168 major wars against such badasses as the Roman Empire, the British Army and the Turkish forces. Their track record isn't too shabby, either: They've won 109, lost 49 and drawn (or as close as you can "draw" a war) 10 times. Professional boxers have been crowned world champions on shittier records than that.

And while it is true that France surrendered to Germany relatively early in WWII, that was only because they hadn't picked themselves up after WWI yet. And WWI (despite being an entire "I" lower) wasn't exactly an anemic playground chickenfight--the French suffered about 5.7 million casualties (the war killed or wounded an incredible 37 million people worldwide).

So yes, the next time around they let the Germans take over officially, but they never actually stopped fighting: the French resistance was one of the most enduring symbols of Nazi opposition in Europe. The resistance was the originator of the archetypal trench coat wearing merchants of bloody death you see in countless action movies and video games today. They blew up bridges, staged daring night raids, slit German throats -- while looking fantastic while doing it.

I hope I opened your mind about the French, even though I really want to punch them in the throat from time to time! ​I feel if we have a conversation (over wine preferably) about these delicate subjects, negative stigmas are automatically destroyed. Food for thought: We are more alike than we are different, and if we continue to make seperations​(a THEM vs. US mentality) then we are not the evolved species we claim to be.

Special Edition: Friday Weigh In!

Yoga - Marisa and I

Well, hello there! And how are you doing?

As for me, I have been a busy little bee this week! I've been buzzing around from place to place and NEVER forgetting to smell the roses. (I bought myself some earlier in the week, yellow ones with red tips, my favorite.)

My work schedule is officially in full swing. I have been riding my bike (I call her my Ferrari, because she is red) everywhere to get around the city, I have hit up a couple of yoga, pilates and core strengthing classes at my local community center, PLUS found the time to be social and spend quality time with my hubby!! All in all, a good week. I am glad to be able to sleep in tomorrow.

Marisa and I at The Seeko'O Hotel and Bar

Being Social!!

Weight: 138/139

Shall we get down to the nitty gritty?!!On Monday, September 30th, I took some photos (had to set the timer and run into place, glad I didn't bust ass!) and my measurements to do a month to month comparision. I will retake my measurements and photos on Monday, November 4th and share the results.MeasurementsBust: 36"Waist:30"Hips:38.5"Right Arm 14.5"Right Thigh: 25"Right Calf: 15"

I know this sounds odd, however everytime I step on the scale, I think it is lying to me. I am constantly adjusting and tweeting the dial to make sure it is exactly marked at zero before I set foot on it. In my head, I still think I am 215 pounds, even though my undies are falling off me and I no longer fit into my clothes.

When I go clothes shopping, I constantly reach for a size 18 (46 French) when I am a 10/12. (42 French)

I follow the Atkins plan. My meals consist of veggies and protein. I drink water through out the day, I eat three meals a day and I never go more than six hours between meals. I also take a multivitamin in the morning and take a couple of spoonfuls of mineral oil to help move my bowels. I recently discovered Coke Zero, which is really good, however I've had it twice, I would rather spend my money on FOOD! I do not eat sugar, nor pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, or fast food.

Do I sometimes cheat? Yes, but FEW and far between (mostly red wine, it is low in carbs) and when I do cheat I NEVER GO OVERBOARD, my body is unable to take it, plus I feel hungover and uncomfortable that evening and the next day, I find it is not worth it. I started following the Atkins plan at the beginning of August and I have been very very pleased with my progress, meaning, I am conscious of what goes into my body and how it makes me feel. I feel good, satisfied, I do not have any cravings, I eat like a Queen AND I'm losing weight! Pshawwww! Why didn't I do this YEARS ago?! Well, what matters is that I am doing it now.

I do exercise, Dr. Atkins (rest in peace) wrote that it is non-negociable. I am working on moving my body move, as I am signing up for a core strength training class at my local community center, plus plan on doing yoga and pilates to help sculpt my body.

I use my bike to get around town or walk. I am hoping these classes will tone the jiggly parts!!!

I know that it is impossible to think that I will drop 25 pounds in one month, but can a girl dream?!

My body is teaching me patience and perseverance and I know that it is a process and a lifestyle.

So with that said, I wish you loads of style in your life, take care of yourselves and EAT WELL!

I have spent tons of funds on name-brand beauty products, but the buck stops here! After doing the math, this sweet little beauty potion will cost you, ready for this, less than 18 cents per month!

Today I will share with you a SIMPLE, organic recipe that will make you glow!! The good news? You more than likely have these ingredients chez toi!

Obviously, if you are allegic to lemons, limes, and oranges, don't use it. DUH!

All you need: 1. water2. alcohol3. lemon juice​4. a pretty container

1. Lemon juice (or lime juice or orange juice OR ALL THREE!) As you can see, I set aside a glass jar full of lemons, oranges and limes and topped it off with tap water to use for cleaning (they were used for cooking and eating, and instead of throwing them away, I saved them!)However, after doing some research on their skin and hair benefits, I decided to add them to my beauty regime!

Lemon, lime and orange juice benefits: tones and refines the surface of your face, helps lighten age spots due to overexposure to the sun, reduces the appearance of acne scars, they are natural antiseptics with antifungal properties, they remove oil and dirt, they tighten pores, and they remove dead facial skin, which in turn helps reduce breakouts and zits! Ever hear of or pay a small fortune for a citrus acid peel? Well, lemons, limes and oranges SHOULD BE the main ingredients, however who knows if they are, unless you make it yourself!

2. Alcohol Use your preference! The one I picked up, has camphor in it. I didn't have a choice, I chose the cheapest one on the shelf at 1,71€ or $2.21 for 250ml or 8 oz.Camphor Oil benefits: Helps rejuvenate and revitilize skin, one of the main ingredients used in expensive treatments for acne.

3. Water- tap or bottled, use your preference! I used tap water, but for that extra French flair, why not try Evian?!

4. Container or jar -- I found my little jar at the flea market for 50 centimes! If you are in the States, find something around your home that could suffice, or go to Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, Michael's, even Target or Walmart!

The Recipe: Mix the four ingredients and Viola! It is really that simple!

Yet, if you are anything like me and overthink everything to the point of frustration, allow me the shed some more light on the recipe. First, know your skin type, then adjust the alcohol and LOL (lemon, orange, lime) juice accordingly or to your preference.

Personally, I have combination skin. Here is my beauty potion: For this 8 ounce bottle, I filled half the bottle with LOL juice and alcohol and topped the rest off with water. DONE! ​

How does it feel? Absolutely Luxurious!

This little beauty potion is very light, fresh, organic and simple! My skin felt tight and glowed, it smelled good, and did the job very, very, very well, proof was on the cotton ball! I JUST ADORED IT!

I truly feel this little concoction is better than ANY store bought, name brand, expensive ones I have previously owned!

By the way, this same concoction can be used for a scalp and hair treatment! ​xoxxox - Jennifer ​

Frenchified for Life

is a fabulous little lifestyle blog about truly embracing French life!

​My intent is to simply inspire you to create something unique and beautiful in your everyday life. The French have this wonderful and annoying habit of seeing the world through rose colored glasses, might as well learn something from them!

That said, I lift my glass to you!

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